Winter Weather Driving Tips

It’s time to prepare for the threat of winter weather in the area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. You might be a seasoned pro when the white stuff falls, or, perhaps not. Bottom line, it’s better to stay off the roads when the ice begins to build, but if you must travel, here are a few tips:

Mercedes-Benz of Durham Winter Preparation Driving Tips:

1.      Check your Tires: How is your tread? How is your tire pressure? If you are unsure about the status of your tires, bring your car by Mercedes-Benz of Durham and have one of our service advisors take a look.

2.      Check your Wipers: Do you have a hard time seeing through your windshield when your wipers are running? It might be time to replace them. Our parts and service departments are here to make sure your investment is ready for inclement weather.

3.      Check your Brakes: Don’t get caught on the ice with underperforming brakes. It’s a good idea to let a qualified service technician inspect your brakes on a regular basis.

Also consider these tips from the NCDOT:

1.      Be sure your vehicle is running well and equipped properly for driving on potentially dangerous roads.

2.      You should have a supply kit that includes an ice scraper, snow brush, extra windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze and a basic automotive tool kit that includes jumper cables and flares.

3.      Put together a supply kit for your trunk, in case you get stranded. Include a flashlight, first-aid kit, blanker, shovel, sand (to give tires traction), non-perishable snakes and drinking water. You might want to include other items based on your personal needs.

4.      Be sure you have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle (short commutes can turn into long ones when a storm hits) and a full reservoir of windshield wiper fluid.

If you MUST venture out, consider this:

1.      Slow down and maintain a safe following distance between you and other vehicles. Pass with extreme caution. Excessive speed is the No. 1 cause of wreck in winter weather.

2.      Do not use cruise control.

3.      Approach bridges and overpasses with extreme caution since they accumulate ice first. Do not apply your brakes while on a bridge.

4.      Come to a complete stop or yield the right away when approaching an intersection where traffic lights are out. Treat this scenario as a four-way stop.

5.      Clear as much snow and ice from your vehicle as possible before venturing out.

6.      Drive smoothly, without sudden acceleration, braking or turning.

For more information regarding safe winter weather driving tips, visit

www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/